Alpe d’Huez is known as one of the sunniest spots in the French Alps, with over 300 sunny days a year, the resort is also known by its nickname “The Island in the Sunshine”. It is a family friendly resort sitting on a plateau in the Grandes Rousses massif in the French Alps, with lots of the accommodation close to the slopes. The resort offers a great mixture of runs for every ability of skiers and boarders and offers night skiing once a week. The season is guaranteed with lifts as high as 3,330m and because the village is high altitude (1860m), one can usually ski or board directly back to the resort. This is a popular dual season resort with a livelier night life than many other French resorts. It is known internationally as an iconic venue for cycling as the Tour de France regularly goes through the resort, as well as being a popular and famous ski resort.
The resort is made up of Alpe d’Huez and Huez. Alpe d’Huez which sits at 1860m, is a modern international tourist destination which offers a large range of accommodation for both summer and winter visitors. Most of the accommodation is apartment buildings and there are few chalets within the resort. Huez is a traditional French alpine village which sits at 1450m and overlooks the Sarenne Gorge. This quaint village has only 1 hotel and 2 gites, but it is connected to its neighbour by the Tele-Village cable car, so it is not far from the action.
Alpe d’Huez is an exciting resort, both in summer and winter, offering numerous outside activities and experiences as well as relaxing times too. It also became the first site of the Tomorrowland Winter Festival in 2019.
Alpe d’Huez is a resort that any skier would be happy to visit. The resort itself sits at 1860m and is surrounded by a huge 236km bowl of unbeatable skiing terrain that suits all abilities of skier. It is part of the enormous Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski Area which offers a total of 389km of downhill skiing on 304 pistes and is served by 150 ski lifts.
Alpe d’Huez is home to some legendary black runs. One of the longest black runs in the world is La Sarenne (16km), which starts at the Pic Blanc summit which also has outstanding views over the Southern Alps. Also starting from the same point is The Tunnel, a 60m tunnel built into the glacier that emerges onto a near vertical mogul field. For the more sedate skiers there are plenty of wide open blue runs and gentle greens. For snow boarders there are 2 well maintained snow parks.
This really is a ski resort with “something for everyone” and it offers plenty of chance to explore and visit different villages over a huge area so that you rarely visit the same runs more than once.
Alpe d’Huez moves swiftly from the cold of the winter months to the heat of the summer months. With over 300 sunny days a year, you will definitely need to bring your sunscreen. The mountain comes alive as the snow melts and the resort basks under the majestic 11,000ft peaks of the Mont Pic.
Cycling is a firm favourite in this area that is famous for being on the Tour de France trail numerous times. With the invention of E-bikes, this is something that is more of a reality for most of us than it has been in the past so try the 21 bend ascent that has made this resort a firm favourite on the Tour de France. The area is also extremely popular with hikers as there are over 143km of hiking trails taking in the 12 natural lakes that are within walking distance from Alpe d’Huez.
Alpe d’Huez is definitely a front running contender for one of the top year round resorts in the French Alps due to its outstanding microclimate and numerous outdoor pursuits.
The best resort depends on what you're looking for. France offers everything from world-famous destinations such as Courchevel and Val d'Isère to traditional Alpine villages with a more relaxed atmosphere. We can help you identify the resort that best matches your lifestyle, budget and skiing preferences.
Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign buyers purchasing property in France. Whether you're looking for a holiday apartment, family chalet or permanent mountain home, the buying process is well established for international purchasers.
French resorts offer a wide range of properties, including modern ski apartments, traditional Savoyard chalets, luxury residences and new-build developments. Availability varies between resorts, with some offering more village-centre apartments and others featuring larger standalone chalets.
Many French Alpine resorts are thriving year-round destinations. During the summer months, residents can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golf, lake activities and a variety of festivals and events, making them ideal for extended stays throughout the year.
Our team has extensive knowledge of the French Alps and can guide you through the different regions, resorts and property options. We take the time to understand your requirements and help you narrow down the locations that best suit your needs.
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